Green Infrastructure (GI)
Green infrastructure is the practice of infiltrating stormwater by use of natural systems in order to reestablish a healthy water flow. These systems allow for the infiltration of stormwater before it is released into conventional storm and sewer system, protecting our lakes, rivers, and streams from harmful pollutants. These practices lead to vital community features such as public parks, forests, rivers, wetlands and lakes. Using these natural systems to treat stormwater results in cleaner water, improved air quality, healthy wildlife habitats, and safe recreation sites. Urban areas are beginning to face new state and federal regulations to clean up rivers and reduce stormwater runoff. With green infrastructure these communities can create comprehensive plans, determine new development areas, and redevelop other areas in need and will improve local communities and attract good jobs.
There are many different types of green infrastructure that range from simple rain barrels all the way to porous pavement. If you are interested in installing green infrastructure on your residential or business property visit our Rainscaping page for more information.
Types of Green Infrastructure
Green Roof - also called a Live Roof, are engineered to store stormwater and are planted with specific plants and even trees. They reduce stormwater runoff, can be used as additional community spaces, and reduce cooling costs.
Green Wall - or Live Wall, can be installed indoors or outdoors to improve air quality, produce herbs, and enhance aesthetics. The vertical planters can be filled with a variety of plants.
Porous Pavement - such as porous asphalt, concrete, individual pavers, and vegetated grid systems, replace traditional driveways and parking lots, increase infiltration and reduce polluted runoff.
Bio-retention Cell - like a rain garden or swale, take in stormwater runoff from the street and/or curb and gutter system allowing it to infiltrate the ground and are often filled with native plants that help absorb and filter the water.
Cistern/Rain Barrel - capture and store rainwater from the roof and gutter system. Rain barrels for residential, or small scale use, can be bought or made from recycled drums and connected directly to a downspout.
Trees - offer a wide array of benefits that include stormwater infiltration, air quality improvements, lowering urban temperatures, and creating valuable habitat.
Natural Connections Story Map
A vision of green infrastructure in the Lower Grand River Watershed.
The vision of green infrastructure in the Lower Grand River Watershed
*Note - This is a very large PDF, click the image for the full PDF document then zoom in to see clearly.